Hello
My .32-20 HE Model of 1902 Target revolver, which letters to March 15, 1904, has a four screw side plate but lacks the screw in the trigger guard that, in later HEs, held in place the spring plunger for the cylinder stop.
According to Roy's book, S&W authorized an engineering change on November 28, 1961, that directed the modification of the cylinder stop to a version that lacked the plunger and used a different spring arrangement to operate the cylinder stop. This was the beginning of the 3 screw, model-numbered hand ejectors.
My question is, back in the days before HEs had 5 screw frames and lacked the screw holding the cylinder stop plunger in place, what did the cylinder stop look like? Was it similar, or the same, as the post-1961 stop? If not, how was it different? Does anyone know of a drawing anywhere that shows what it looked like?
I realize, of course, that the very first HE, the "I frame" Model of 1896, had the cylinder stop in the top strap. That is not what I'm referring to, as I'm sure you all know.
Thanks for any help anyone can give me on this. I really don't want to take my scarce and valuable .32-20 HE Target apart to find my own answer to this question.
Regards,
JP

The early cylinder stop was completely different than the later stop of the 1905 lockwork. The cylinder stop did not reciprocate as later models. Instead it had a small spring-loaded plunger with a bevel that was engaged by a thin hook on the trigger. On recovery the trigger pushed the pin laterally in the cylinder stop. Because the stop did not reciprocate it had less movement and didn't need nearly as much spring travel.

These guns are often, somewhat euphimistically, referred to as "Pre-five screw Four Screw" guns.

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Gunsmithing since 1961

Here's a picture of the 1902 internals that another member posted a while back:

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

Thanks, Gil. I think I can see how the relevant parts work, between your photo and Alk8944's description.

And good heavens, what in the world happened to that cylinder? Looks like someone took a pall peen hammer to it.

JP